As a youngster I have vivid memories of the cultural norms in my home and in my community. There was the music, the endearing references, the food, the annual celebrations, the customs followed when greeting others or visiting with others.

Most of my childhood was spent immersed in my culture and speaking my first language. Spanish.

As I developed into a teenager I took greater notice of the community celebrations that paid homage to Puerto Rico. My mother land. The Puertorican Day Festival was an annual tradition where thousands from accross the State of Connecticut and surrounding states would converge on Hartford Connecticut to celebrate our culture and heritage.

Floats, marching bands, jeeps, small toyotas, live instruments & bands, concerts, traditional foods served throughout the parade route and the annual crowning of Ms. Puerto Rico.

I have honored my Island of Puerto Rico, participated in these annual celebrations and proudly waved our flag.

Acknowledging my roots, my bloodline and my history has always been important to me.

Once I became a published Author, I knew I had to follow the english version of Rage to Peace with the Spanish one.

I feel that it is critical to share my story in my Spanish language in order to reach members of the Latino community who may feel connected to my story. I desire for members of the Latino community to embrace storytelling.

Our stories, voices, and lived experiences matter. Our lessons learned can and will serve as instruction and motivation for others to believe in their ability to transform their negative thoughts, behaviors and actions into positive ones.

We can end our own suffering if we acknowledge that we can improve, we can seek help and we can expect different from ourselves.

I am thrilled and proud to announce Rage to Peace in Spanish. De La Rabia A La Paz is a labor of Love and I hope this effort will inspire change in our community that may feel there is no hope.

En Paz. Iran